Columbia  ©ntoettitp 

mtfjeCupufJtogmt 

THE  LIBRARIES 


Bequest  of 

Frederic  Bancroft 

1860-1945 


0 


(^^^^S^^^cl^^ 


<£tyabeti)  Eotones  Bust 


Mrs.  Mary  Haven  Thirkield 


The  joy  of  loyal  service  to  the  King 

Shone  through  her  days,  and  lit  up  other  lives." 


Jennings  &  Pye 

Cincinnati 

1903 


«r« 


V^  ,6 


Copyright  by 

The  Woman's  Home  Missionary  Society  of  the 

Methodist  Episcopal  Church 

1902 


en 

CO 


divert)  ilotones  ftust 

1835-1899 

"A  distinctive  feature  of  the  latter  half  of  the 
nineteenth  century  is  the  development  of  so  many 
good  and  true  women."  Thus  wrote  Mrs.  Rust  of 
a  leader  among  women,  and  well  do  the  words  fit 
her  own  noble,  Christlike  character.  Her  ancestry 
was  noted  for  nobility  of  life,  freedom  of  thought, 
and  conscientious  action.  In  her  blood  flowed 
Scotch  purity  and  strength,  united  with  the  san- 
guine temperament  of  the  Welsh.  Her  father  and 
mother,  coming  from  the  Middle  States,  and  be- 
ginning their  married  life  in  Baltimore,  were  both 
members  of  the  Quaker  Brotherhood.  Devout  in 
spirit,  true  to  God's  leading,  outspoken  for  the 
right,  generous  toward  others,  quiet  and  unob- 
trusive, yet  bold  and  courageous  in  the  hour  of 
duty,  they  were  noble  representatives  of  the  Society 
of  Friends. 

3 


4  Clijabetfc  ilotome*  Uu$t 

Born  in  such  a  home  in  1835,  Elizabeth 
Lownes  Rust  inherited  the  sterling  integrity  and 
The  Quaker  philanthropic    spirit    of   her    father,    as 

Home  weu  as  tne  beauty  of  feature,  fine  intel- 
lect, and  strong  character  of  her  mother.  The  at- 
mosphere of  the  home  surrounded  her  from  infancy 
with  purity  and  refinement.  She  unconsciously 
caught  from  the  parental  love  and  instruction,  les- 
sons in  the  broader  sphere  of  love  towards  human- 
ity and  the  wondrous  richness  of  love  towards  God. 

In  later  years,  as  I  saw  the  face  of  that  Quaker 
mother  entering  the  Western  home  in  her  simple 
garb  of  gray,  I  perceived  the  beauty  and  strength 
which  had  enriched  the  training  of  Elizabeth.  In 
the  early  days,  across  the  sea,  her  family  had  taken 
its  place  among  the  highest  circles,  and  Mrs. 
Lownes,  in  Quaker  costume,  revealed  a  queenly 
presence  and  royal  lineage  as  truly  as  though 
dressed  in  rustling  silk.  She  had  great  influence 
and  power  in  social  and  religious  life.  Her  home 
was  changed  from  the  East  to  the  West  during 
Elizabeth's  childhood,  and  Ohio  welcomed  her  to 
its  fresh  and  vigorous  life.  There  the  daughter 
availed  herself  of  the  educational  advantages  in  her 
neighborhood,  and  graduated  from  Cooper  Semi- 
nary, Dayton,  in  1853. 

Her  young  womanhood  was  devoted  to  helpful 
lines  of  service.  During  the  war  she  was  president 
of  a  branch  of  the  Sanitary  Commission,  noted  for 


Cl^abett)  Jlottmcs  Hu0t  5 

its  zeal  and  success  in  furnishing  supplies  to  armies 
and  hospitals.  Keenly  alive  to  the  needs  of  the 
times,  she  was  eager  to  enlist  in  the  Young 
silent  army  of  home  workers,  so  loyal  Womanhood 
and  effective  in  their  assistance  to  the  brave  sol- 
diers in  the  field. 

She  developed  a  strong  taste  for  art,  and  for 
several  years  was  engaged  as  Instructor  in  Art  in 
the  Cincinnati  Wesleyan  Female  College    ^ 

.  ,         The  Artist 

during  its  earlier  history.  She  greatly 
enjoyed  this  contact  with  youth,  and  the  opportunity 
to  turn  their  fresh  thoughts  into  noble  channels. 
She  gained  some  recognition  as  an  amateur  artist 
and  portrait  painter,  and  in  1871  went  abroad 
ior  further  study.  In  Paris  and  Rome  she  enjoyed 
special  opportunities  under  the  guidance  of  Madam 
Marjoli,  the  sculptor,  and  Monsieur  Jules  Richome, 
the  distinguished  painter.  In  Paris  she  had  friendly 
relations  with  the  families  of  Drs.  De  Pressense 
and  Bercier,  the  distinguished  Protestant  divines. 
This  life  in  foreign  lands  and  association  with 
master  minds  was  a  great  joy  to  her  artistic  nature. 
As  the  hand  wielded  the  brush,  and  the  colors  were 
transferred  from  the  palette  to  canvas,  until  the 
living  presence  seemed  to  stand  before  one,  her 
soul  caught  the  glow  of  the  true  artist,  her  mind 
was  quickened,  her  whole  being  enriched.  The 
Italian  face,  with  its  bronzed  features  and  scornful 
eyes,  reveal  the  wicked  thought  and  sinister  mind ; 


6  flElt^abetfc  tlotone*  Uttft 

the  peasant,  in  his  humble  toil  and  simple  life,  is 
in  vivid  contrast  to  the  thoughtful  monk  wrapped 
in  his  gloomy  cowl.  Elizabeth  Lownes  reveled  in 
this  study  of  human  nature,  and  brought  back  to 
her  native  land  copies  from  the  masters'  works  and 
portraits  from  the  living  representatives  of  Euro- 
pean nations.  Pastoral  sketches,  full  of  beauty  and 
grace,  were  mingled  with  the  deeper  studies  of  face 
and  form,  revealing  the  breadth  and  depth  of  her 
artistic  nature.  On  her  return  to  America,  the  fu- 
ture was  bright  with  promise.  Attractive  in  per- 
son, her  mind  enriched  by  foreign  travel,  cultured 
and  refined,  she  entered  society  to  win  instant 
recognition.  Her  skill  as  a  portrait  painter  was 
acknowledged,  and  her  moments  were  full  of  work 
and  full  of  joyous  hope. 

Here  love  came  in  and  changed  her  plans.     She 

left  the  studio  for  the  home ;  the  easel  for  the  manse. 

In  1875  she  married  the  Rev.  Richard 

Marriage       _ 

b.  Rust,  D.  D.  Her  life  assumed  a  new 
meaning,  her  philanthropy  widened  its  scope,  and 
henceforth  she  became  actively  identified  with  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  Milton  says  that  a 
poet's  life  should  be  a  poem.  Mrs.  Rust  made  this 
high  truth  a  living  fact.  Instead  of  breathing  forth 
the  poetry  within  her  soul  by  painting  it  in  vivid 
colors  until  it  seemed  to  speak,  she  let  it  shine 
through  her  life,  adorn  her  home,  and  touch  other 
souls,  until,  in  place  of  the  dead  canvas,  the  living 


CBli^abet^  iiotones  Hu$t  7 

features  bespoke  her  power.  She  became  deeply 
interested  in  the  benevolent  enterprises  of  the 
Church,  and  was  in  keen  sympathy  with  her  hus- 
band's work.    Thus  did  they  together  live  as  one  life, 

"And  reigning  with  one  will  in  everything, 
Have  power  on  this  dark  land  to  lighten  it, 
And  power  on  this  dead  world  to  make  it  live!" 

Their  home  became  a  centre  of  Christian 
activity,  and  from  it  went  forth  forces  which 
touched  and  helped  humanity.  In  1876,  The  Phiian- 
Mrs.  Rust  organized  a  philanthropic  thropist 
movement  for  the  colored  people  of  Cincinnati, 
which  continued  its  usefulness  for  several  years. 
In  1877  she  took  an  active  part  in  the  charitable 
work  of  the  city,  proposing  plans  for  the  ameliora- 
tion of  the  condition  of  the  poor,  which  were  ap- 
proved and  adopted  by  the  citizens,  and  a  thorough 
organization  of  the  city  effected  which  proved  most 
efficient  in  controlling  vagrancy  and  elevating  the 
needy.  From  these  early  years  she  was  connected 
with  the  Woman's  Christian  Temperance  Union, 
anxious  to  cast  her  influence  on  the  side  of  temper- 
ance and  purity.  She  became  identified  with  many 
local  philanthropies,  securing  the  employment  of 
matrons  at  police  stations,  and  women  to  take 
charge  of  the  female  wards  of  prisons.  Because 
of  this  latter  interest,  she  was  appointed  by  the 
mayor  one  of  the  managers  of  the  female  depart- 


8  eit^abetfc  JLotonea  ftuat 

ment  of  the  City  Workhouse.  Always  awake  to 
every  new  enterprise,  ever  on  the  alert  to  improve 
and  better  the  old  conditions,  she  urged  and  pleaded 
for  the  admission  of  industries  into  the  regular 
course  of  the  public  schools,  and  lived  to  see  her 
plans  and  ideals  put  into  action.  Thus,  while  reign- 
ing as  queen  in  the  home,  devoted  and  loyal  to  her 
husband,  constant  in  loving  thoughtfulness  and 
tender  affection,  she  was  making  a  strong  impres- 
sion on  the  outside  world.  She  mingled  the  ideal 
with  the  real.  Her  home,  pure  and  true,  was  the 
absorbing  passion  of  her  life;  but,  with  it  all,  a 
needy  and  suffering  humanity  right  about  her  was 
not  forgotten,  and  she  went  forth  with  courage  and 
eagerness  to  uplift  others. 

In  the  course  of  time  she  traveled  with  her  hus- 
band through  the  South.  She  saw  the  black  man 
Observations  m  his  lonely  cabin ;  she  realized  his  ig- 
2n tne  South  norance ;  she  felt  his  poverty ;  she  longed 
to  help  him  upward.  She  knew  that  improvement 
must  come  from  within,  that  the  people  must  work 
out  their  own  salvation;  but  she  felt  the  strong 
desire  to  reach  the  mothers  and  daughters  of  the 
race,  to  arouse  within  them  courage  and  character 
which  should  overcome  the  barriers,  and  lead  them 
on  to  material  and  moral  success.  Her  sensitive 
heart  was  stirred,  her  artistic  nature  aroused  to  the 
strength  and  beauty  which  suffering  and  oppression 


d£lt?abet&  ilotoncs  Ku$t  9 

had  kept  hidden,  and  she  longed  to  let  Christ's  love 
and  liberty  redeem  and  sanctify  until  the  real  per- 
son stood  forth  in  living  light,  "a  man  for  a'  that." 
She  dared  to  look  this  national  problem  squarely 
in  the  face,  to  urge  speedy  and  generous  action 
towards  sending  aid  to  these  who  bear  the  imprint 
of  night,  but  whose  hearts  may  be  made  pure  and 
white  by  the  dawning  of  Christ's  day. 

Who  knows  but  for  such  a  time  as  this  she 
has  come  into  her  kingdom?  Ripened  in  intellect, 
broadened  in  culture,  consecrated  in  Entering  the 
spirit,  mature  in  wisdom,  disciplined  and  °pen  Door 
equipped  through  years  of  experience  and  the  faith 
and  courage  of  a  Quaker  home,  she  discerned  the 
open  door,  and  was  quick  to  enter  and  render  her 
character  and  attainments  a  blessing  to  Methodism 
and  America.  Read  a  letter  which  she  wrote  in 
November,  1876,  to  a  friend  in  the  East,  as  it  re- 
veals her  thoughts  and  plans: 

"Cincinnati,  November  8,  1876. 

"I  hope  that  your  sympathy  and  co-operation  may  be  secured 
in  a  plan  to  interest  Northern  women  in  behalf  of  the  freedwomen 
in  the  South.  In  view  of  the  great  need  there  is  for  moral  and 
spiritual  elevation  among  these  poor  creatures,  and  the  terrible 
sufferings  they  are  subjected  to  in  consequence  of  their  igno- 
rance and  degradation,  it  seems  that  not  only  their  salvation  but 
the  future  of  our  Government  depends  on  Christian  efforts  in  their 
behalf. 

"To  avoid  the  embarrassment  of  organizing  a  new  society,  and 


io  dftt^abettj  Lotones;  Husft 

to  make  our  efforts  available  immediately,  the  Board  of  Managers  of 
the  Freedmen's  Aid  Society  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  was 
petitioned  to  admit  ladies  to  its  councils,  and  to  be  co-laborers. 
This  petition  was  cordially  welcomed  by  the  president,  bishops,  and 
Board,  and  granted,  which  opens  the  field  to  us  at  once  to  organize 
our  mode  of  appeal,  and  to  enter  upon  the  work  of  collecting  funds 
and  to  send  missionaries  to  the  South.  While  we  will  not  abate  our 
interest  for  salvation  of  the  ' '  heathen  women ' '  in  foreign  lands, 
let  us  not  pass  by,  unheeded,  the  cry  for  help  and  the  need  of 
these,  so  near  our  own  threshold. 

"The  schools  established  by  the  Freedmen's  Aid  Society  are 
doing  incalculable  good,  br-t  it  is  hoped,  through  the  help  of  Chris- 
tian women,  to  elevate  the  homes  by  the  moral  instruction  of  the 
freedwomen.  This  is  an  absolute  necessity  to  make  Christian  work 
among  them  deeply  effective. 

"We  trust  that  the  claims  of  this  cause  may  meet  a  response  in 
your  heart,  and  that  you  may  give  to  it  the  assistance  of  your  sym- 
pathy and  influence.  Several  of  the  best  known  and  official  ladies 
in  the  Church  are  engaged  for  the  inauguration  and  carrying  forward 
of  this  movement." 


This  line  of  work  in  connection  with  the  Freed- 
men's Aid  Society  was  not  found  practicable,  as  the 
introduction  of  women  into  the  Board  of  Managers 
(by  the  law  of  the  State)  would  endanger  its  title 
to  property.  Thus  failing  to  secure  the  needed 
work  through  existing  agencies,  the  interest  aroused 
could  not  be  set  aside,  but  public  and  private  ap- 
peals continued  to  be  made.  Women  were  em- 
ployed as  missionaries  in  Atlanta  and  New  Orleans, 
who  for  several  years  were  supported  by  personal 
gifts. 


(Elizabeth  ILotoonea  Uust  u 

The  approval  of  this  enterprise  by  The  Woman's 
the  General  Conference  of   1880  led  to    "om*™s' 

sionary  So- 

the  organization  of  the  Woman's  Home        cicty 
Missionary   Society.     Let  Mrs.  Rust  tell  it  in  her 
own  words: 

"The  first  meeting  in  this  behalf  was  called  by 
the  writer,  and  held  in  Trinity  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church,  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  June  8,  1880.  After  con- 
sultation with  representatives  of  general  Church 
work  in  Cincinnati,  it  was  decided  to  form  a  new 
society.  The  constitution  of  the  Woman's  Home 
Missionary  Society,  substantially  the  same  as  was 
approved  four  years  later  by  the  General  Confer- 
ence of  1884,  was  adopted  at  a  meeting  held  July 
10th.  While  recognizing  the  fact  that  our  cities 
presented  the  largest,  and  possibly  the  most  impor- 
tant home  mission  field,  the  society,  at  first,  sent 
her  missionaries  to  labor  among  the  neglected  popu- 
lations of  the  South,  and  employed  teachers  in  the 
West  for  the  planting  of  Christian  schools  among 
Mormons  and  Indians.  The  contributions  of  our 
few  scattered  auxiliaries  could  be  united  for  the 
support  of  a  frontier  mission,  but,  at  that  time, 
unanimity  in  behalf  of  any  one  of  our  cities  could 
not  have  been  secured." 

Elizabeth  L.  Rust  had  been  stirred  by  her  en- 
thusiasm, aroused  by  a  high  ideal,  until  a  definite, 
intelligent  plan  revealed  itself  to  her  of  putting  that 


12  dEl^abetfc  Jlotones  ifcuat 

ideal  into  action.     Her  faithful  husband  was  her 

help  and  inspiration.     Constant  in  sympathy,  deep 

Leadership  *n  mteresc>   eager  and  ready  to  advise 

in  a  New     and  assist,  she  found  in  him  the  com- 

Work  plement  of  her  own  soul.  Her  heart 
grew  stouter,  and  new  joy  and  courage  thrilled  her 
being  as  she  felt  the  throbbings  of  a  kindred  nature. 
Women  listened  to  her  words,  and  many  followed 
where  she  led.  It  was  no  hasty  impulse  that 
prompted  them  to  this  action.  They  banded  to- 
gether in  unity  of  heart  and  devotion  of  purpose. 
They  aroused  the  Church  to  a  new  line  of  work, 
Christianizing  the  homes  within  its  borders. 

It  was  my  privilege  to  be  with  the  small  com- 
pany of  women  when  this  Woman's  Home  Mission- 

EarSy  ary  Society  was  organized.  Come  with 
Workers  me  for  a  moment  into  that  cozy  parlor 
in  Cincinnati,  and  draw  your  chair  up  near  the  busy 
circle,  where  you  may  listen  to  the  discussions  of 
that  band  of  earnest  women  as  week  by  week  they 
met  and  planned,  thought  and  acted.  Their  brains 
were  busy,  their  hearts  were  inspired,  their  lives 
were  consecrated,  their  faith  was  undaunted. 
Clouds  hung  threateningly  over  them  at  times,  but 
they  always  discerned  the  rainbow  athwart  the  dark- 
ness. Prayers  went  up  to  heaven  for  Divine  guid- 
ance, and  I  have  seen  those  women  stop  all  work 
and  spend  that  hour  upon  their  knees  in  fervent 
supplication.    That  little  company,  associated  in  the 


CEli^abett)  Hotone0  &u$t  13 

name  of  Christ  to  study  his  truth,  to  live  his  life, 
to  do  his  deeds,  shaped  the  beginnings  of  the  work 
of  this  society.  There  was  the  fountain  from  which 
came  the  streams  of  Christian  beneficence;  there 
the  roots  from  which  sprang  the  growth  of  Chris- 
tian service.  Mrs.  Rust  rejoiced  as  a  mother  in 
the  birth  and  growth  of  this  organization.  Pain 
was  forgotten  in  rapture ;  weariness  and  toil  lost 
sight  of  in  success.  The  urgent  needs  of  the  ever- 
broadening  field  often  filled  those  loyal  women  with 
fear  and  trembling;  but  buoyed  up  by  Christian 
courage,  cheered  onward  by  loving  co-operation, 
they  became  more  united  of  heart,  more  earnest  of 
purpose.  God  held  them  in  his  own  intention  until 
the  hour  had  come  when  they  emerged  in  spirit  and 
in  power,  his  handmaidens  united  in  his  service, 
embodied  in  the  Woman's  Home  Missionary  So- 
ciety. Words  of  exhortation  rang  in  the  ears  of 
those  women,  urging  them  to  action :  "But  one  hope 
for  our  land.  It  is  the  gospel.  Let  us  set  up  the 
Christian  Church  and  school  on  every  hill  and  val- 
ley, until  every  wild  waste  shall  blossom  as  the 
Lord's  garden." 

As    the    Church    became    aroused,    the    society 
rapidly   grew.      The   East   joined   hands  with   the 
West,    auxiliaries    were    organized    in    Growth  of 
nearly  every  Conference,  daughters  fol-     the  Work 
lowed    the    mothers'    example    and    formed    their 
"Circles,"  until  even  the  little  ones  were  drawn  in 


14  Clt^abett)  Hofcme*  ftust 

as  the  "Mothers'  Jewels."  We  discovered  the  mis- 
sion fields  lying  so  near  at  hand,  and  sent  mes- 
sengers with  the  glad  tidings  of  salvation  into  the 
distant  wigwams  of  the  Indians,  the  low  adobe 
huts  of  the  New  Mexicans,  the  josshouses  of  the 
Chinese,  the  cabins  of  the  Southland,  the  far-away 
homes  in  Alaska;  to  the  foreigners  of  every  clime 
and  hue  in  our  large  cities.  The  Lord  marvelously 
opened  the  way,  and  his  Christian  workers  followed 
swiftly  as  he  led. 

Never  shall  I  forget  the  first  annual  meeting, 
when  we  hailed  with  joyous  welcome  our  honored 
First  Annual  and  true-hearted  president,  Lucy  Webb 
Meeting  Hayes.  Her  name  and  presence  were 
an  inspiration  to  our  work,  and  the  memory  of  her 
noble  life  will  always  be  most  precious.  Well  does 
Mrs.  Rust  say: 

"The  seal  of  the  Divine  approval  was  placed 
upon  the  society  by  the  gift  of  Lucy  Webb  Hayes, 
one  of  the  most  illustrious  women  of  the  century, 
who  for  the  first  nine  years  of  its  history  was  its 
honored  president.  She  came  from  the  Presidential 
mansion,  where  she  had  borne  testimony  to  the 
cause  of  temperance  and  the  truth  of  the  Christian 
religion,  to  preside  at  our  meetings  and  participate 
in  our  deliberations/' 

Reports  were  uttered  with  trembling  lips;  new 
plans  proposed,  new  fields  entered,  new  obligations 


CU^abftl)  Hottmes  Hutft  15 

assumed ;  but  at  the  close  of  that  session  the  dox- 
ology  went  up  from  all  hearts.  The  Rev.  Dr.  A.  B. 
Leonard,  in  a  review  of  that  meeting,  writes: 

"  The  most  important  event  in  Methodist  circles  in  the  Queen 
City  that  has  recently  occurred  was  the  assembling  of  the  first  an- 
nual meeting  of  the  Woman's  Home  Missionary  Society  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church  on  Monday,  October  30,  1882. 

"The  report  of  Mrs.  Dr.  R.  S.  Rust,  the  corresponding  sec- 
retary, was  a  carefully  prepared  and  comprehensive  presentation  of 
the  subject,  history,  and  work  of  the  society.  The  object  of  this 
society  is  to  enlist  and  organize  the  efforts  of  Methodist  women  to 
co-operate  with  other  societies  and  agencies  of  the  Church  in  behalf 
of  women  and  children,  and  all  classes  in  our  own  country,  who  are 
in  need  of  Christian  sympathy  and  help.  There  is  ample  room  for 
this  new  organization.  It  proposes  to  occupy  a  field  which  as  yet 
is  almost  uncultivated  by  us  as  a  Christian  denomination.  We  have 
the  numbers  and  the  means  with  which  to  do  this  work,  and  God 
calls  us  to  undertake  it  in  his  name  and  strength.  Now  that  this 
society  is  fairly  before  the  Church  its  auxiliaries  will  increase  rapidly, 
and  its  funds  multiply  yearly ;  so  that,  in  the  near  future,  the  home 
missionary  work  of  Methodism  will  take  rank  with  the  most  potent 
agencies  of  Protestant  Christianity  for  the  enlightenment  and  salva- 
tion of  the  neglected  classes  of  our  own  country." 

At  this  meeting  Mrs.  Rust  stated  that  the  great 
inspiration  of  this  whole  movement  in  behalf  of 
home  missions  has  been  the  work  of  Bishop  Wiley, 
who  aided  in  its  organization,  and  has  added  en- 
couragement during  all  the  way  of  its  progress.  He 
has  given  to  it  the  best  effort  of  his  pen,  his  elo- 
quence, and  his  money. 


1 6  dHi^abetfc  ilotones;  Must 

Ten  years  later  as  Mrs.  Rust  reviews  the  past 
she  rejoices  in  its  prosperity,  but  pleads 

Outlook        -         ,  J  ,  j 

After  One    i°r   larger   numbers   and   more   earnest 

Decade        effort : 

"This  Society,  in  its  organization  and  history,  and  in  the  efforts 
of  its  friends  to  secure  recognition,  and  awaken  interest  in  its  special 
fields,  has  called  the  attention  of  our  Church  to  the  neglected  por- 
tions of  our  country,  to  the  dangers  which  threaten  it,  to  its  great 
responsibilities,  and  to  its  controlling  influence  upon  the  destiny  of 
other  lands.  These  efforts  have  deepened  the  sense  of  responsibility 
and  obligation  of  our  people,  and  have  contributed  largely  to  in- 
crease the  tide  of  religious  effort  in  behalf  of  home  missions. 

"Since  a  separate  society  had  been  formed  for  woman's  work 
in  foreign  lands,  the  autonomy  of  our  Church  work  could  only  be 
preserved  by  an  organization  of  her  women  in  behalf  of  home  mis- 
sions. Our  associated  womanhood  must  have  an  opportunity  to 
consecrate  a  portion  of  its  efforts  and  funds  to  the  evangelization  of 
our  own  country.  There  is  no  reason  why  woman's  heart  should 
be  moved  in  tender  response  to  appeals  for  help  in  foreign  lands, 
while  she  should  neglect  those  quite  as  pathetic  in  our  own. 

"There  is  a  clearly  defined  work  for  these  organizations,  and 
each  may  move  in  its  own  sphere  without  conflict,  each  shedding 
light  and  love  upon  the  other;  the  Woman's  Foreign  Missionary 
Society  aiding  the  parent  society  in  foreign  lands,  the  Woman's 
Home  Missionary  Society  aiding  it  in  our  own  country,  and  the 
General  Missionary  Society,  like  a  wise  and  loving  parent,  encour- 
aging both  organizations  in  efforts  for  the  conversion  of  the  whole 
world,  all  of  them  being  animated  by  the  same  spirit,  guided  by  the 
same  wisdom,  and  upheld  by  the  same  Almighty  power. 

"In  this  crisis,  the  Church  and  State  alike  require  the  help  of 
Christian  women.  They  alone  can  carry  into  dark  cabins  and  wig- 
wams, and  adobe  huts  and  garrets  and  cellars  where  human 
wretchedness  and  vice  abound,  the  methods  and  spirit  of  the  Chris- 
tian home,  which  is  the  foundation  of  the  Republic." 


ELIZABETH  LOWNES  RUST. 


CBlt?abet^  ILotomea  Hu*t  17 

These  victories  were  not  achieved  without  cease- 
less toil  and  extensive  travel.  They  involved  re- 
peated visits,  consultations  with  com-  Toil  and 
mittees,  public  presentation  of  the  co'relplnd* 
claims,  and  the  selection  of  officers,  ing  Secretary 
which  required  more  than  one  hundred  thousand 
miles  of  travel.  Social  pleasures  were  all  aban- 
doned, home  comforts  often  sacrificed,  the  artist's 
brush  laid  aside,  restful  hours  surrendered,  that 
Elizabeth  Lownes  Rust  might  give  herself  unre- 
servedly into  the  Lord's  hands.  Correspondence 
often  kept  her  pen  busy  until  the  small  hours  of  the 
morning.  While  others  slept,  she  planned  and 
wrought.  Original  and  inventive,  she  could  not 
rest  until  some  new  thought  had  been  put  in  writ- 
ing, and  sent  hither  and  yon  for  the  approval  of 
other  workers.  Leaflets  and  letters  were  constantly 
emanating  from  her  fertile  brain,  which  should 
scatter  broadcast  the  needs  of  the  cause  and  the 
suggestive  remedies.  The  missionaries  in  their  dis- 
tant fields  were  cheered  and  comforted  by  her  fre- 
quent messages,  and  all  lines  of  the  work  seemed  to 
focus  at  her  desk.  The  humblest  toiler  found  a 
welcome  in  her  home;  the  faintest  call  for  help 
reached  her  ear;  the  suffering  and  despair  in  the 
farthest  corner  of  America  found  a  responsive  chord 
in  her  heart.  Her  ever- watchful  eye  was  quick  to 
discern  the  openings  of  the  present,  the  portents 
of  the  future.     Summer's  heat  or  winter's  cold  did 


1 8  Cli^abet^  ilotonea  ftust 

not  hold  her  back  from  duty ;  long  rides  and  little 
sleep  were  not  considered  when  the  word  was 
needed  and  the  personal  visitation  desired.  She 
spoke  not  from  theory,  but  from  actual  observation. 
She  visited  nearly  every  field  where  the  society  was 
laboring.  She  came  in  close  touch  with  the  mis- 
sionaries. She  realized  their  bravery  and  self-sac- 
rifice ;  she  saw  the  squalor  and  degradation  of  their 
surroundings;  she  knew  the  power  of  sin  which 
they  were  called  to  combat. 

Her  reports  were  full  of  interesting  informa- 
tion; not  mere  words  and  sentiments,  but  burning, 
living  facts  S  Arguments,  strong  and  convincing, 
enforced  the  wisdom  of  her  plans  and  actions.  Her 
logic  was  cogent;  her  pleadings  were  convincing; 
her  common  sense  was  an  element  of  strength.  The 
training  from  her  youth  among  the  Friends  made 
her  strong  in  the  faith  that  God  works  through 
those  who  commit  themselves  to  the  leadings  of  the 
Holy  Spirit. 

Few  knew  how  tireless  was  her  energy;  how 
completely  was  she  absorbed  in  her  work.  No 
thought  of  salary  ever  entered  her  mind;  no  re- 
muneration for  service  was  ever  given.  To  me  was 
given  the  rare  privilege  of  living  in  her  home,  and 
I  am  glad  to  reveal  this  unselfish  and  complete  giv- 
ing of  herself  to  others,  which  lay  hidden  from  the 
outside  world.  Vacation  and  leisure  were  unknown 
terms  to  her.     Rest  and  ease  were  no  longer  ex- 


dt^abctlj  Lottmes  Hu0t  19 

pected  or  desired.  Work  was  God's  tonic.  As  she 
bent  in  prayer  for  his  guidance,  his  grace  sus- 
tained, his  arm  steadied,  his  voice  said,  "Be  strong, 
be  faithful,  and  I  will  lead  you  home." 

For  nearly  twenty  years  she  was  thus  led,  as 
she  watched  the  rapid,  wonderful  growth 
of  her  beloved  work.    Let  her  own  lips  and  Growing 
tell  the  story :  Hope 

"Viewed  in  the  light  of  the  past,  the  year  is  full 
of  hope,  and  the  influences  set  in  motion  for  the 
triumph  of  Christ's  kingdom  in  our  beloved  land, 
with  the  accumulated  forces  of  years  past,  in- 
creased by  those  of  years  to  come,  assure  us  that, 
though  Christ  tarry  for  a  season,  yet  he,  at  no  dis- 
tant day,  in  conquering  power  will  surely  come. 
.  .  .  The  rapidly  changing  conditions  in  the 
country  require  corresponding  modifications  of 
method.  The  society  has  demonstrated  its  ability 
to  manage  its  work  intelligently,  conduct  its  busi- 
ness upon  a  safe  financial  basis,  and  adapt  its  plans 
to  the  providential  changes  of  the  hour.  Profiting 
by  experience,  and  with  increased  funds  and  influ- 
ence, it  is  able  to  take  a  broader  view  of  obligation, 
look  deeper  into  the  problems  offered  for  solution, 
and  enter  more  earnestly  upon  the  discharge  of 
duties  connected  with  its  mission.  ...  It 
should  so  arrange  its  plans  and  methods  as  to  be 
prepared  for  the  work  of  the  Church  in  the  twen- 
tieth century." 


20  Cli^atatl)  ilofomes  ftutft 

Mrs.  Rust  realized  that  the  future  of  the  poor 

girl  in  the  South  was  hopeless  without  the  perfect 

union  of  faith  in  Christ  and  education; 

industrial     heart  and  mind  must  be  alike  renewed. 

Homes         T  ,  . 

Established  It  soon  became  manifest  that  to  secure 
this  object,  more  was  needed  than  mere 
house-to-house  visitation.  In  consultation  with 
others,  the  suggestion  came,  which  led  to  the  es- 
tablishment of  our  Industrial  Homes.  Their  good 
effects  were  soon  apparent,  and  such  buildings  were 
erected  all  over  the  Southland,  reaching  and  up- 
lifting the  womanhood  of  the  race,  training  the 
poor  white  and  poor  black  along  similar  lines,  bring- 
ing them  more  closely  together  as  one  in  Christ 
Jesus.  At  the  dedication  of  such  a  Home,  named 
in  honor  of  Mrs.  Rust,  Bishop  Atticus  G.  Haygood, 
a  brave  and  noble  champion  of  the  right,  who 
spoke  whereof  he  knew,  uttered  these  strong  words 
of  approval : 

''Dig  wells  in  the  desert  and  in  the  rocky 
places.  Plant  these  Industrial  Homes  all  over 
the  South.  Send  out  one  well-trained  woman 
from  such  a  Home;  she  will  be  worth  a  regiment 
of  lady  missionaries  and  their  visitations.  She  will 
live  among  the  people  who  need  her;  she  will  be 
a  specimen  and  an  inspiration  to  them;  she  will 
incarnate  what  you  seek  to  teach.', 


dEli?abetfc  JLototua  Hust  21 

Is  it  strange  that  these  Homes  met  with 
marked  success?  The  matrons  are  true  heroines, 
leaving  the  impress  of  their  personality  upon  the 
girls  they  teach.  The  girls  become  living  mis- 
sionaries. 

"The  dear  Lord's  best  interpreters 
Are  humble,  human  souls ; 
The  gospel  of  a  life  like  hers 
Is  more  than  books  and  scrolls !' ' 

Within   those   walls   they   learn   the   dignity   of 
labor;  they  discover  that  brains  and  skill  are  needed 
in  the  commonest  acts  of  life;  they  real- 
ize that  the  simplest  vegetables  may  be      dustriai 
made    savory,    the    plainest    utensils    be        Home 
most    useful,      bilver   or   tin    may    hold 
the    same   food,   but   the   care   and   thought   in   its 
preparation  make  it  palatable.     As  they  pass  from 
room  to  room,  from  one  line  of  work  to  another, 
that    secret    so    often    hidden    becomes    revealed — 
the    vast     difference    between    housekeeping     and 
home-making.    One  is  a  business,  the  other  an  art. 
They   are  taught  to  combine  the  two,   and   while 
cleaning  up  the  cabin  and  making  it  and  all  within 
most  healthful,  they  also  add  the  little  touches  of 
beauty  and  comfort  which  shall  reach  the  soul,  and 
transform  the  hut  into  a  Iwmc.    Thus  is  their  char- 
acter, as  head,  hand,  and  heart  are  alike  renewed, 
made  all  rounded  and  complete. 


22  Cli^abett)  ilotimes  Hu$t 

Mrs.  Rust  caught  a  glimpse  of  the  new  light 
in  the  cabins.     She  writes: 

"I  have  recently  visited  several  of  our  indus- 
trial schools  in  the  South.  Though  I  had  large 
"Light in  expectations  of  this  work,  yet  it  has 
the  Cabins"  become  greater  and  broader  in  its  early 
achievements  than  I  had  ventured  to  expect.  If 
this  branch  of  our  work  can  be  vigorously  prose- 
cuted, it  will  not  be  long  before  we  shall  witness 
great  triumphs  in  the  elevation  of  the  women  and 
homes  of  the  poor  people  all  over  the  South. 

"Observation  had  given  me  the  facts  which  gave 
force  to  this  remark.  As  our  train  passed  through 
one  of  the  richest  cotton-growing  sections,  in  a  two 
hours'  ride,  besides  the  small  stations,  I  did  not 
see  a  single  house — only  one-room  cabins,  some- 
times alone,  and  sometimes  in  clusters.  These  were 
without  windows,  and  one  unacquainted  would 
hardly  have  suspected  that  they  were  human  habi- 
tations. At  that  time  I  counted  in  the  fields  thirty- 
two  women  and  one  boy  hoeing  cotton  and  corn. 

"We  are  convinced  there  is  no  way  of  reach- 
ing and  aiding  the  women  and  girls  in  these  neg- 
lected sections  so  successfully  as  by  training  edu- 
cated young  women  in  practical  duties,  and  send- 
ing them  out  as  teachers.  They  can  carry  into  the 
distant  rural  districts  these  higher  ideals  of  life, 
and  instruct  the  people  in  methods  of  correct  liv- 


€\i}zbtti)  ilotonea  Hu*t  23 

ing  more  successfully  than  missionaries  not  of  their 
own  race  and  unacquainted  with  their  peculiar 
needs. 

"We  were  greatly  pleased  by  the  atmosphere 
of  trust  and  confidence  which  prevailed  in  the 
homes  visited,  and  which  attested  the  sweetness 
and  firmness  of  the  management.  Few  of  the  girls 
have  previously  known  anything  better  than  rough 
cabin  and  field  life,  so  the  restraints  and  refine- 
ments of  a  home  must  be  acquired.  There  was  some- 
thing very  touching  in  the  confidence  of  these  girls, 
as  though  the  old  ways  had  been  laid  aside  as  cast- 
off  garments,  and  a  new  life  was  surely  entered 
upon." 

Look  at  the  new  mother,  as  she  goes  forth  from 
our  Homes!     Visit  the  place  where  she  reigns  as 
queen !     Equal  with  her  husband  in  in-     Th 
tellect,   congenial  in  taste,   thorough  in   Mother  and 
housework,    full    of    sympathy    for    the  Homemaker 
needy   ones    about   her,    her   heart    aglow    with    a 
mother's  love;  she  turns  crudity  into  beauty,  dis- 
order into  order,  the  drudgery  of  work  into  a  joy, 
the  cares  of  childhood  into  a  Divine  and  holy  mis- 
sion.    No  wonder  her  boy's  eyes  sparkle,  her  two 
rooms  attract  and  allure, — her  very  living  speaks 
louder   than   any   words   from   pulpit   or   platform. 
"It  is  the  man  who  is  the  missionary,  it  is  not  his 
words.    His  character  is  his  message." 


24  Cli^abetfc  Jiofcmes  ftuat 

No  one  rejoiced  more  than  Elizabeth  Rust  at 
the  sight  of  these  blessed  results;  but  while  her 
The  Field  neart  was  ever  deeply  interested  in  the 
Broad  as  welfare  and  improvement  of  the  South- 
Amenca  \an^  where  first  her  sympathies  were 
awakened  and  thoughts  aroused,  she  was  not  nar- 
row, or  blind  to  equally  great  needs  in  other  fields. 

As  secretary  of  the  society,  in  co-operation  with 
the  Board  of  Managers,  she  wrote  and  planned  for 
similar  Homes  throughout  the  West.  She  joined 
her  energies  with  those  of  others,  until  the  heathen 
within  our  midst  were  constantly  brought  to  our 
view,  and  evangelizing  agencies  were  scattered 
from  shore  to  shore,  carrying  the  redemptive  power 
of  Christ's  gospel  into  the  darkened,  benighted 
homes. 

Dr.  Daniel  Dorchester,  Jr.,  said  of  this  society,  at 
its  anniversary:  "We  recognize  you  as  the  heart 
force  of  the  moral  and  spiritual  condition  of  our 
Nation." 

But  the  far-seeing  eye  of  Elizabeth  Rust  did 
not  stop  at  the  Nation's  horizon.     She  writes: 

"We  ought  to  secure  a   fuller  rec- 

Home  and  .  .  p  TT7 

Foreign  Mis-  Ogmtion    of    the    Woman  S    Home    Mis- 
sions One     sionary  Society,  in  view  of  the  relation 
Work 

it  bears  to  the  foreign  field,  and  the  in- 
fluence for  good  that  may  be  wrought  upon  the 
world  through  the  evangelization  of  this  country. 


RUST  HALL,  WASHINGTON,  D.  C. 


(BU^abet^  ilohmetf  Euat  25 

We  must  save  and  hold  this  country  for  Christ  as 
a  base  of  supplies.  We  can  not  furnish  means  and 
missionaries  for  the  wide  world,  unless  the  Church 
at  home  be  strengthened  and  its  resources  devel- 
oped, unless  the  baptism  of  the  Holy  Spirit  shall 
come  upon  the  women,  who  constitute  more  than 
two-thirds  of  the  membership  of  our  Church,  and 
aid  them  in  their  efforts  to  save  this  country  for 
Christ." 

Truly,  Home  and  Foreign  constantly  clasp  hands 
in  this  work  for  God.  We  would  save  and  con- 
vert the  idolatrous  and  superstitious  in  our  own 
land ;  we  would  train  and  furnish  missionaries  for 
their  own  in  other  lands ;  we  would  bring  the  world 
to  the  foot  of  the  Cross ! 

Every    line    of    work    inaugurated    by    the    so- 
ciety,  every   new   field   entered,   but   increased   the 
zeal  and  added  to  the  joy  of  Mrs.  Rust.     Train|ng. 
The  Immigrant  Homes,  which  welcomed    school  and 
and    sheltered    the    strangers    as    they     RustHaM 
landed  on  our  shores ;  the  Mission  Homes  among 
the  Orientals  and  New  Mexicans ;  the  centers  of 
help  for  the  Indians;  the  blessed  retreats  for  God's 
little  ones ;  the  rapid  spread  of  Deaconess  Homes — 
all  revealed  to  her  God's  approval,  but  called  for 
more  efficient  workers.     She  writes: 

"If  our  Society  purposes  to  occupy  this  field 
successfully,  it  must  make  provision  for  an  adequate 


26  Cl^abettj  Noumea  Must 

supply  of  thoroughly  trained  women  for  the  service. 
In  view  of  these  conditions  and  obligations,  we  con- 
sider the  Lucy  Webb  Hayes  Memorial  Training- 
school  for  Missionaries  and  Deaconesses,  located  at 
Washington,  D.  C,  the  most  important  enterprise  of 
the  society,  and  the  one  which  should  have  the  most 
generous  consideration.  The  location  of  the  school 
on  North  Capitol  Street  affords  ample  space  for 
enlargement,  and  there  is  urgent  need  of  additional 
dormitory  and  departmental  accommodations." 

This  need  has  been  answered  in  the  erection  of 
Rust  Hall,  which  will  be  a  memorial  to  her  worth, 
and  a  blessing  to  all  future  generations.  Almost 
her  last  act  was  to  write  in  its  behalf  and  plead  for 
its  completion.  Standing  in  the  Nation's  capital, 
near  the  place  where  she  was  born,  overlooking 
the  beautiful  city,  the  valley  of  the  Potomac  and 
the  heights  of  Arlington,  it  well  represents  her 
sterling  character,  the  Nation's  weal  for  which  she 
pleaded,  and  the  intelligence  and  skill  demanded  in 
Christ's  work. 

Mrs.  Rust  was  a  woman  of  vision.    As  Paul  of 

old,  she  caught  a  sight  of  the  risen  Christ.     The 

moral   degradation,   the   alarming  igno- 

A  Woman  f    .  '       ,   ,  .  ?  .  , 

of  Faith      ranee  and  vice,  caused  her  to  think  and 
and         fear;   but   she   was   not   overcome,    for 

Vision  t 

she  saw  the  remedy,  one  did  not  tarry 
to  think  of  the  odds  against  her,  but  timidity  and 
sensitiveness  were  lost  to  sight  as  she  realized  her 


Cl^abett)  ilottmes  Uu0t  27 

duty,  and  gained  help  from  Christ  to  enter  the 
conflict.  Bravely,  hopefully,  enthusiastically,  sin 
stood  for  the  right.  Words  written  of  another  well 
fit  her  character:  "The  greater  the  odds,  the  more 
resolute  her  bearing;  the  more  desperate  the  for- 
tunes, the  more  resonant  the  ringing  cheer  of  her 
tone.  History  has  shown  that  a  great  faith  is  the 
wisest  and  sanest  of  all  guides." 

Listen  to  her  thoughtful  words,  as  she  looks  for- 
ward into  the  coming  years: 

"It  is  wise,  in  formulating  plans,  and  in  organ- 
izing Christian  work,  to  regard  the  claims  of  the 
enduring  future,  as  well  as  those  of  the  transient 
present.  It  is  the  relation  that  the  present  bears  to 
the  future  that  gives  it  significance  and  controlling 
power.  Improvements  in  the  management  of 
worldly  affairs  follow  in  rapid  succession,  and 
clearer  views  and  greater  consecration  should  char- 
acterize the  agencies  and  methods  employed  by  the 
Church  of  Christ  in  elevating  the  people,  and  in 
saving  the  world.  It  is  short-sighted  policy  to  limit 
our  plans  of  work  to  the  present.  We  should  take 
a  more  comprehensive  view  of  the  needs,  possibili- 
ties, achievements,  and  conquests  of  the  twentieth 
century.  We  should  carefully  scan  the  horoscope 
of  the  future,  watch  its  earliest  indications,  and  ad- 
just our  plans  and  movements  to  the  possibilities 
of  philanthropy  and  religion,  as  they  may  be  un- 


28  (Eii^abet^  JLotones  Hu$t 

rolled   to  our   vision   by   the   unerring  wisdom   of 
Divine  intelligence." 

Women  of  vision  are  needed  to-day.  We  are 
at  a  turning  point  in  the  history  of  Home  Mis- 
sions. The  era  of  extension  is  passing  into  the 
era  of  strengthening  and  energizing.  Twenty 
years  ago  the  women  were  timid  and  doubtful ;  now 
they  are  full  of  faith,  with  plans  matured  and  work 
accomplished.  The  future  lies  before  them,  rich 
with  opportunity.  Duty  bids  them  enter,  and  Christ 
promises  the  victory. 

The  true  greatness  of  Elizabeth  Rust  is  revealed 
in  her  last  illness.     Heroic  in  suffering,  she  con- 

The  tinued  to  sustain  her  beloved  work  until 
Hour  of      both   heart   and   flesh   failed   her.      Her 

rump  spiritual  sight  became  clearer,  her  faith 
stronger,  and  God  gave  her  strength  to  suffer  and 
endure.  It  is  easy  to  smile  when  all  goes  well.  It 
is  noble  to  be  joyous  in  the  hour  of  trial.  As  she 
left  the  doctor's  room,  and  received  the  word  of 
fatal  illness,  she  seemed  to  enter  at  once  into  the 
care  of  the  Great  Physician.  Meeting  a  friend,  she 
said,  "I  may  live  six  months,  I  may  live  six  years; 
but  I  must  work  all  the  harder,  that  every  moment 
may  count  for  my  Master."  These  words  were  put 
into  action,  and  for  three  years  she  tarried  not, 
save  as  the  hospital  claimed  her.  Even  her  sick- 
room became  the  center  of  work.    While  she  die- 


CEl^abett)  tlotonea  Hu$t  29 

tated  scores  and  hundreds  of  letters  pertaining  to 
the  welfare  of  the  society,  she  often  penned  a  few- 
choice  words  to  her  friends,  speaking  as  from  heart 
to  heart.  One  of  those  who  came  very  close  to 
her  life  was  Mrs.  H.  C.  McCabe,  and  to  her  she 
reveals  the  sacred  thoughts  of  that  upper  room : 

"It  has  seemed  to  me  that  the  Angel  and  His 
presence  has   been   at   my   right   hand   constantly." 

"I  am  busy  all  the  time,  for  the  work  presses. 
Whether  I  am  to  be  here  years,  or  only  a  few  weeks, 
that  is  in  His  hands.  I  am  blessed  in  the  fact  that  I 
have  the  strength  and  the  heart  to  do  what  the  hour 
demands.  I  have  given  my  case  over  absolutely 
into  the  keeping  of  my  Heavenly  Father,  and  I 
do  not  worry  about  it." 

"I  am  not  so  strong  as  I  was  a  year  ago.  I  am 
obliged  to  rest  an  hour  after  working  two  or  three, 
and  so  I  sandwich  work  and  rest  all  the  days. 
Friends  think  it  strange  that  I  try  to  continue ;  but 
why  should  I  not?  If  God  gives  me  the  strength 
and  the  disposition,  I  should  be  culpable  if  I  did  not 
use  it,  and  the  opportunity  in  his  service." 

"How  glad  I  would  be  to  look  into  your  face, 
and  have  the  inspiration  of  your  well-rounded  spir- 
itual life.  In  the  last  few  days  I  have  grown  very 
weak.  My  talking  is  very  spasmodic,  because  of  the 
oppression  of  the  lungs  and  shortness  of  breath. 
The  powers  of  nature  seem  to  be  falling  away. 


30  4EU?abety  llototws;  Eu$t 

When  I  want  to  be  changed  from  one  side  of  the 
bed  to  the  other,  they  help  me  into  a  chair,  pull 
me  around,  and  then  settle  me  on  the  other  side. 
I  can  not  walk  at  all.  If  the  miracle  we  are  ex- 
pecting is  wrought,  T  hope  to  be  with  you  for  the 
September  meeting,  and  to  be  able  to  keep  my  hand 
on  the  work.  I  give  dictations  of  important  let- 
ters every  day,  almost.  The  Father  is  very  good 
to  me,  though  I  suffer  greatly  from  weakness  and 
difficulty    in    breathing.      I    feel    quite    at    rest." 

"I  find  that  I  must  hurry  to  get  my  share  of  the 
Master's  work  done,  unless  a  miracle  is  wrought  in 
my  behalf.  But  I  am  not  repining.  I  am  so  glad 
that  He  gives  me  grace  to  keep  all  the  shadows 
out  of  our  home,  and  strength  to  do  my  work." 

"I  want  you  to  pray,  dear  friend,  that  I  may  not 
lose  faith  and  courage.  I  have  all  along  felt  so  sure 
of  my  Helper,  and  such  peace  and  rest,  that  when 
these  last  days  the  foundation  seems  to  be  slip- 
ping away,  I  was  frightened  by  my  own  weakness 
to  reach  my  'tower' — or  does  God  test  us  in  these 
ways?  To-day  I  feel  as  strong  as  Samson  (not  phys- 
ically, for  I  am  much  weaker  than  at  any  time  since 
I  left  the  hospital).  The  disease  is  steadily  gain- 
ing a  firmer  hold.  Then  I  thought  maybe,  in  send- 
ing this  extra  suffering  of  the  last  few  days,  God 
is  rebuking  me  for  my  selfishness  in  thinking  so 
much  of  my  own  need  of  healing.    I  am  trying  so 


Cl^abett)  ilotonca  Huge  31 

hard  to  save  my  life,  when  I  should  be  willing  and 
glad  to  lose  it.  My  eyes  are  turned  toward  the 
'everlasting  morning.'  I  receive  gladly  the  bene- 
diction of  service  yet  a  little  longer.  I  ask  God 
continually,  if  my  services  are  needed,  to  heal,  and 
keep,  and  use  me." 

"I  am  too  tired  most  of  the  time  to  think  intelli- 
gently ;  but  I  appreciate  and  I  am  so  thankful  when 
a  day  comes  like  to-day,  that  I  can  get  through  many 
letters,  business  of  the  society — a  good,  long  dicta- 
tion." 

"I  have  for  some  time  felt  so  sure  that  relief 
would  come  that  I  have  not  made  an  iota  of  change 
in  my  work  these  last  days,  though  the  doctor  said  I 
had  reached  the  'last  stage'  of  the  disease.  This 
morning  I  gave  four  hours'  dictation,  and  have  been 
busy  this  afternoon,  and  with  a  light  heart  have  done 
my  work,  singing  praises  all  the  time." 

"My  faith  takes  hold  of  the  promises." 

Does  not  the  power  of  Christ  shine  through 
these  words  ?  Do  you  not  catch  the  note  of  triumph 
as  she  steps  into  the  presence  of  the  King?  Almost 
at  the  last  hour,  her  devoted  husband  writes:  "The 
disease  does  not  relax,  and  her  vital  forces  are 
weakening.  She  is  full  of  courage  and  hope,  and 
assures  us  that  she  is  resting  in  the  eternal  arms 
of  her  loving  Father." 


32  Clt^abetb  tlo totter  ftust 

She  entered  upon  her  eternal  rest,  October  3, 
1899. 

Strong  and  earnest  words  came  from  many 
friends,  paying  tribute  to  her  life  and  strong 
character.  One  of  the  highest  testi-  Testimonial 
monials  was  given  in  these  lines  by  a  sister  in  an 
other  Church — Mrs.  Eliza  G.  Sage,  of  the  Baptist 
denomination : 

"The  highest  tribute  to  Mrs.  Rust  is  that  she  en- 
deavored to  do  her  duty  to  humanity,  until  this  be- 
came her  highest  pleasure,  her  ruling  passion.  When 
I  first  knew  her,  as  Miss  Lownes,  she  was  an  artist, 
devoting  her  superb  vitality  to  that  absorbing  voca- 
tion. But  'art  for  art's  sake'  could  not  hold  such  a 
nature  as  hers.  Like  Sir  Ashley  Cooper,  she  heard 
innumerable  voices  calling  for  help.  So  she  quietly 
laid  aside  her  art,  and  turned  all  her  enthusiastic 
effort  into  the  Christ  work.  When  next  I  met  her, 
she  and  Mrs.  John  Davis  became  my  guests  at  Hart- 
ford, the  season  that  they  together  traveled  over 
New  England  establishing  your  great  Home  Mis- 
sionary Society.  I  saw  that  her  ideals  had  changed. 
She  had  a  more  glorious  motive  than  any  that  art 
could  give.  I  was  also  struck  with  her  great 
earnestness.  In  1895,  Mrs.  Rust  founded  the  Civic 
League.  She  was  carrying  great  responsibilities 
as  the  Secretary  of  your  Society.  Another  woman 
would  have  considered  her  hands  too  full  to  feel 


d£li?abctt)  ilotonetf  Hu0t  33 

the  claims  of  a  new  duty.  Not  so  Mrs.  Rust,  al- 
though she  was  writing  hundreds  of  letters  and 
traveling  everywhere  in  the  interests  of  the  Home 
Missionary  Society.  She  felt  profoundly  that  the 
women  of  Cincinnati  were  called  upon  to  serve  their 
city,  and  could  only  do  so  efficiently  through  a  special 
organization  for  civic  work.  Burdened  as  she  was 
with  your  duties,  she  assumed  this  service  of  in- 
augurating the  Civic  League.  Her  first  step  was 
to  create  a  sentiment  favorable  to  it.  She  talked 
with  individuals  in  her  own  enthusiastic  way.  She 
held  conferences  with  circles  of  ladies.  She  wrote 
letters  to  those  whom  she  could  not  meet.  Judg- 
ing from  the  number  of  letters  she  wrote  within 
my  knowledge,  her  work  in  this  direction  must  have 
been  very  great.  When  the  first  meeting  was  held, 
over  a  hundred  women  were  present,  all  by  her 
gentle  persuasiveness,  and  pledged  themselves  to 
support  the  movement.  She  was  a  veteran  organ- 
izer, and  her  plans  were  all  carefully  matured. 
Nothing  was  left  for  haphazard.  The  board  of 
officers  chosen  were  able  and  faithful.  Some  of 
the  most  efficient  women  in  the  city  joined  the  so- 
ciety; but  all  regarded  that  one  strong,  serene 
woman  as  the  inspiration  of  every  meeting.  She 
possessed  the  subtle  power  of  leadership  in  a  very 
unusual  degree.  More  than  that,  she  possessed  the 
genius  for  hard  work. 


34  (HHi^abet!)  &oume0  Must 

"The  shadow  of  her  last  illness  darkened  her 
life  and  compelled  her  withdrawal  from  the  active 
work  of  the  League,  but  she  attended  our  meet- 
ings occasionally.  It  was  at  one  of  the  last  meet- 
ings which  she  attended  that  she  said  to  me,  as 
nearly  as  I  can  recall :  'I  know  not  which  it  is  to 
be — life  or  death;  but  I  am  happy  either  way.  If 
I  live,  I  shall  be  spared  to  my  husband;  he  needs 
me.  If  I  am  to  die,  I  shall  still  be  happy,  for  I 
know  that  I  shall  go  to  heaven !'  Her  face  glowed 
as  though  heaven  itself  were  shining  on  it.  I  have 
often  heard  Christians  speak  confidently,  even  tri- 
umphantly of  the  immortal  home,  but  I  do  not  re- 
call an  instance  when  the  realization  of  immortal 
happiness  so  transfigured  a  face  or  so  thrilled 
through  the  tones.  I  felt  that  it  was  a  revelation 
sent  to  my  distrustful  heart  through  her.  It  seems 
easy  now  to  see  that  glowing  countenance  in  the 
presence  of  the  King!" 

Words  of  like  tenderness  and  praise  were  spoken 

Loving       ^y  her  co-workers  in  the  Church  at  the 

Tributes  from  memorial   meeting  held   soon   after  her 

co-workers    death>    No  better  thoughts  can  close  this 

sketch  and  linger  in  our  minds  than  these  tributes 

of  love: 

"In  an  interview  with  Mrs.  Rust,  Mrs.  Fisk 
asked  her  if  there  was  anything  she  could  do 
for  her,  saying,  'We  women  want  to  do  something 


dEU^abetfc  lloume*  ftuat  35 

for  you.'  *0  no/  Mrs.  Rust  replied,  'I  am  resting 
in  the  arms  of  my  Savior,  as  a  child  nestles  in  the 
arms  of  its  mother;  you  can  only  love  me  and  pray 
for  me.     .     .     . 

"Mrs.  Fisk  introduced  Mrs.  H.  C.  McCabe, 
a  lifelong  friend  of  Mrs.  Rust,  and  her  beau- 
tiful tribute  began  with  a  description  of  the  'upper 
room'  in  this  noble  home  of  Methodism,  sancti- 
fied by  prayer  and  by  the  conferences  and  counsels 
of  the  servants  of  God  and  the  friends  of  man.  Then 
followed  the  close  analyzation  of  the  life  and  char- 
acter of  this  noble  woman,  which  Mrs.  McCabe, 
from  years  of  close  intimacy,  was  able  to  give.  In 
closing,  she  said :  'Eighteen  years  we  have  had  our 
great  and  talented  leader.  In  her  earnestness,  her 
creative  power,  her  genius  for  work,  she  thought 
of  everything,  she  grasped  everything.  Holding 
the  center,  she  was  ubiquitous  on  the  whole  cir- 
cumference. In  her  the  corresponding  secretary 
was  innate.  The  true  corresponding  secretary  is, 
like  a  poet,  born,  not  made.  From  the  open  grave 
of  one  who  so  long  came  and  went  with  us,  from 
the  contemplation  of  the  glory  into  which  she  is 
received,  let  us  turn  each  individually,  and  seek  the 
indwelling  of  that  Spirit  by  whose  ennobling  we 
may  carry  forward  with  new  life  and  vigor  the 
work  to .  which  our  departed  and  beloved  Secre- 
tary gave,  perhaps  sacrificed,  her  life/  " 

Mrs.  Fisk  then  called  upon  Mrs.  Aiken,  record- 


36  <Eli?abrtlj  iLotorua  Ifcuat 

ing  secretary,  who  followed  with  a  tender  tribute  to 
Mrs.  Rust :  "Where  nobler  tributes  to  the  life,  char- 
acter, and  work  of  our  lamented  Mrs.  Rust  are 
woven  into  a  wreath  of  immortelles,  I  would  add 
only  a  little  sprig  of  evergreen, — simply  giving  you 
a  glimpse  of  her  as  she  slowly  vanished  from  our 
sight.  During  the  midsummer  days,  before  the 
ladies  left  the  city,  a  Business  Committee  meeting 
was  held  in  the  spacious  parlors  of  her  elegant 
home.  I  found  her  there  alone.  "How  are  you, 
Mrs.  Rust?'  I  said.  With  a  radiant  smile  shining 
as  a  rainbow  over  the  tearful  face,  she  cheerily  re- 
plied, 'A  bit  nervous  this  morning ;  but  I  am  better.' 
Two  weeks  later,  I  found  her  in  great  feebleness 
of  body,  reclining  upon  the  couch  in  that  large  and 
light  'upper  room,'  of  which  Mrs.  McCabe  spoke, — 
the  sanctum  sanctorum  of  the  home.  The  heart  and 
brain  then  gave  dictation  to  the  ever-faithful  secre- 
tary, Miss  Wommer.  As  I  inquired  after  her  health, 
she  smiled  and  said,  'O,  I  am  better,'  and  in  earnest 
words  spoke  of  her  wonderful  trust  and  unfalter- 
ing faith  in  God.  On  another  occasion,  when  in 
the  midst  of  heroic  endurance  of  intense  suffering, 
there  came  the  same  answer,  'Better.'  When  last 
I  saw  her  in  her  own  quiet  room,  scarcely  able  to 
speak,  while  the  light  of  eternity  shone  in  her  eyes, 
she  indicated  that  she  was  'better  this  morning.' 
My  unuttered  words  were,  'Yes,  better  further  on.' 
Soon  thereafter  all  that  was  mortal  lay  before  us, 


Cli^abrtl)  ilotones  Uusx  37 

encircled  by  the  choicest  flowers,  while  the  im- 
mortal had  joined  the  choir  invisible,  and  in  tones 
triumphant  testified  in  unison  with  the  unnum- 
bered chorus  that  'It  is  better  farther  on.'  " 

The  president  then  introduced  Mrs.  Jane  Ban- 
croft Robinson  as  the  familiar  friend  of  Mrs.  Rust, 
and  competent  to  speak  of  her  life  and  work  from 
this  standpoint.  Mrs.  Robinson  said :  "Friends,  it  is 
hard  for  me  to  speak  here;  for  rarely  has  a  society 
of  women  gathered  as  we  do  to-day,  to  mourn  the 
loss  of  a  great  leader,  and  to  share  in  the  triumph 
of  her  great  deeds."  A  short  resume  of  the  work 
of  the  society  in  its  early  organization  was  given, 
the  prophetic  vision  of  Mrs.  Rust  for  the  society,  and 
her  self-sacrificing  efforts  for  it  during  all  the  years. 
As  a  friend,  she  "bound  us  to  her  with  hooks  of 
steel."  As  a  philanthropist,  her  sympathies  were 
not  confined  to  her  own  Church  and  work,  but  in 
local  charities  she  bore  her  part.  But  of  her  work 
as  corresponding  secretary  of  our  society,  Mrs. 
Robinson  spoke  at  length.  From  the  first  she  had 
a  prophetic  grasp  of  the  work  of  the  society,  its 
magnitude,  and  its  possibilities.  When  the  faint- 
hearted and  fearful  would  say,  "We  can  do  no 
more,"  she  would  cheerfully  exhort  and  persuade 
and  wisely  lay  the  plans  that  would  be  accepted. 
She  discerned  character,  and  warmly  welcomed 
every  one  who  could  bring  any  talent,  any  gift, 
to  the   upbuilding   of  her  beloved   society.      "Our 


38  fl£U?abetij  iiofcmes  ftust 

great  work  now  to  her  memory  is  Rust  Hall, 
named  alike  for  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Rust.  This  hall 
will  commemorate,  in  a  form  far  more  lasting  than 
marble  or  granite,  her  noble  life-deeds.  To-day, 
friends,  the  close  of  this  wonderful  century  is 
rounding  out  the  twentieth  year  of  this  society. 
Could  we  form  into  one  long  procession  those  who 
have  been  helped  by  its  beneficent  work,  we  should 
see  represented  every  class  that  Mrs.  Rust  so 
prophetically  enumerated.  There  would  be  the 
teachers  and  mothers  from  our  colored  schools  of 
the  South ;  the  Indian  girls,  and  the  New  Mexicans 
from  our  Industrial  Homes;  the  women  who  have 
been  guided  out  of  Mormon  errors;  the  Chinese 
girls  who  have  been  rescued  to  a  pure,  free  life; 
the  foreign  sisters,  who,  as  immigrants,  have  landed 
on  our  shores ;  the  poor,  the  needy,  and  the  ignorant 
who  have  been  helped  by  our  deaconesses ;  the  little 
children  from  our  orphanages — all  of  these  I  see 
in  my  mind's  eye,  as  in  one  grand  procession, 
marching  along  on  the  highway  of  life  to  nobler, 
happier  living,  because  this  great-souled  woman, 
and  all  who  with  her  have  helped  to  make  this  so- 
ciety effective,  have  been  true  to  their  light,  and 
'followed  the  gleam.'  And  it  is  no  mournful  dirge 
they  chant,  but  a  song  of  solemn  triumph;  for  rest 
and  reward  and  blessed  immortality  are  hers.  'She 
rests  from  her  labors,  and  her  works  do  follow 
her.' " 


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